Product Reliability Manager - Royal Switchgear

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) is a leading manufacturer of engineered products and solutions used in the maintenance, repair, upgrade, and construction of transmission, distribution, and substation infrastructure. LEADING THE WAY™ in innovation, MPS is dedicated to keeping the power infrastructure performing optimally by supplying world-class solutions to fulfill the needs of customers who maintain electrical services to consumers worldwide. We operate seventeen facilities across North America and continually invest in our manufacturing capabilities to better serve our customers.  Learn more at www.macleanpower.com

Royal Switchgear, an MPS Company. Take your next career step with Royal Switchgear Manufacturing (a Maclean Power Systems Company), a leader in engineering, design, and manufacturing of critical electrical infrastructure solutions. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Product Reliability Manager who is responsible for focusing on improving product reliability, durability, and performance of Royal Switchgear products. The successful candidate will be a results-oriented team player with strong analytical skills, a process improvement mindset, detail orientation, and excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Location: Onsite - Bessemer, Alabama

What You’ll Do

• Lead product reliability strategy: set reliability targets, perform FMEA, Weibull and life-data analysis (MTBF/MTTR) for switchgear products and components.
• Design test programs for components and complete assemblies (HALT/HASS, accelerated life test, thermal cycling, vibration, electrical endurance, dielectric/insulation tests).
• Specify, design, and build custom test apparatus, fixtures, and jigs required to replicate field stresses and validation scenarios.
• Set up, commission, and operate test rigs and instrumentation (data acquisition, environmental chambers, power supplies, relays, load banks).
• Develop test procedures, protocols, and pass/fail criteria; ensure repeatability, traceability, and calibration of test equipment.
• Execute tests, capture and analyze test data, produce detailed test reports, and translate findings into actionable design changes.
• Lead root-cause analysis on product failures and field returns; recommend design, material, or process changes and verify fixes via testing.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering, product validation, and manufacturing to incorporate DfR/DfM practices and plan design verification.
• Maintain reliability documentation: test plans, life-cycle predictions, reliability databases, and validation evidence for product sign-off.
• Support new product introduction with reliability verification, test campaigns, and acceptance criteria.
• Train engineering and lab technicians on test setups, safety, and data collection best practices.
• Manage external test labs and vendor testing when needed; oversee third-party test contracts and coordinate sample logistics.
  

What You’ll Need to Excel in This Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Reliability Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years’ experience in product reliability, test engineering, or design validation—preferably with switchgear, breakers, relays, or power distribution equipment.
• Proven experience designing test apparatus, fixtures, and setting up/operating reliability test rigs.
• Strong knowledge of reliability methods (FMEA, RCM, Weibull), environmental and electrical testing standards.
• Hands-on proficiency with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, environmental chambers, and test automation.
• Ability to interpret electrical/mechanical drawings, specify components, and prototype fixtures.
• Strong analytical skills (Excel, Minitab, or equivalent) and experience writing clear test reports.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Experience with HALT/HASS, accelerated aging, and accelerated life test design.
• Familiarity with relevant standards (IEC, IEEE) for switchgear and insulation testing.
• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, or test automation tools.
• Six Sigma or reliability-centered maintenance exposure.

Competencies/Skills

• Strong computer skills in Excel, Word, MS Office suite
• Strong analytical skills with a high-level of attention to detail and business process
• Strong skills in developing and presenting performance metrics reports
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with others
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data
• Ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including preparing and presenting information
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed as needed
• WMS experience and knowledge preferred
• ERP system knowledge (JD Edwards preferred)

Working Conditions

• Primarily engineering lab and office environment with regular hands-on work in test labs; occasional shop-floor or customer site visits.
• Must follow safety procedures when working with high-voltage test equipment and environmental chambers.

Total Rewards Offering:

MPS offers a competitive compensation package; including a bonus potential based on company performance and a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and professional growth. A comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with employer match, employer-paid disability and more...  

For Us, For Family.  Surround yourself with fun, energetic, and hard-working professionals who are dedicated to achieving Mission Zero; zero safety or environmental incidents. 

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